Pot times July 18, 2005
New Force Patrols Border
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1135/a01.htmlNewshawk: Herb
Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 NEW FORCE PATROLS BORDER
Source: Observer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005, OSPREY Media Group Inc.
Contact:
editorial@theobserver.ca
Website: http://www.theobserver.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676
Author: Jack Poirier
Smugglers, Drug Pushers Are Targeted
A joint marine security force is hoping to close the flood gates on smugglers,
drug pushers and organized criminals who have been thriving on local waterways.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ) and the Canadian Coast Guard ( CCG )
will man the four-vessel joint marine patrols, two of which will focus primarily
on the Detroit River -- St. Clair River region.
"This is the area of greatest concern in terms of organized crime . .
. that's the major choke point," said the coast guard's Lawrence
Swift. "Whenever you have a border close . . . the
smuggling of goods and even people is something that is of concern."
The force will focus its patrols along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence
Seaway, creating a security capacity that has never before existed, said Mauril
Belanger, Minister for Internal Trade and Associate Minister of Defence, in a
press release.
The initiative is part of a $300 million, five-year package announced in April
that is designed to enhance the security of Canada's marine transportation
system and maritime borders.
Swift said the patrol initiative will also strengthen Canada's response to
potential threats, whether domestic or terrorist.
"The length of shoreline and the amount of water ... it was
impossible for existing security forces to keep track of everything on the
water," he said. "Having the people ready to respond is all part
of the overall picture . . . to keep the border secure."
The timing of the announcement had nothing to do with the terrorist bombings in
London, Swift said.
Both the RCMP and CCG will also be afforded the opportunity to draw off each
other's resources and expertise, said Swift, which will improve security.
The RCMP enforces laws relating to national security, such as organized crime,
illegal drugs, smuggling and immigration. The coast guard will be
responsible for the acquisition, operation and maintenance of the vessels.
The vessels will also provide a fast operating platform to support RCMP
emergency response teams and the Canadian Forces when mounting immediate
response to terrorist incidents or other threats and will co-operate with U.S.
agencies.
Four new vessels have been ordered and will be patrolling the waters in 2009.
However, four temporary boats will begin patrols this weekend, including the CCG
cutter Cape Hurd and the RCMP patrol vessel Simmonds, which will be responsible
for the local patrols.
Each will boast a crew of four coast guard employees and two police officers.
A report just released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in
conjunction with Mexican and Canadian governments, has also identified a will to
establish a single, integrated North American Trusted Traveller Program in less
than three years.
Enrolled participants will have access to all trusted traveller dedicated lanes
at all land, air and sea ports of entry.
